Supporting a green and just transition for NHS Scotland

A Community of Practice (CoP) is a forum for sharing information and knowledge among a wide range of stakeholders on selected key thematic topics. CoP can be defined as a group of people who interact, learn together, build relationships, and in the process develop a sense of belonging and mutual commitment. A key aspect that brings members together is that they find value in the joint learning and outputs generated from their collaboration. Design HOPES will launch and coordinate a CoP as a key mechanism to enhance visibility, strengthen mutual learning and knowledge exchange amongst community members.

The Design HOPES CoP represents one community and two Working Groups: Green Futures Storytelling and Design Policy Interface. The Working Groups share a consistent central concept: to act as a platform which supports green transition initiatives in the health and social care ecosystem, offering a space to share and amplify narratives of progress. The goal is to highlight solutions, and the individuals or teams behind them, providing inspiration and actionable insights for the community. As a community, we can build case studies focused on change and success and explore the strategies to achieve them.

Why get involved

Addressing sustainability challenges in healthcare requires collaborative efforts and shared expertise among practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and community members. The Design HOPES Community of Practice will provide a platform for members to engage, share knowledge, and develop strategies to promote sustainability in healthcare through the two Working Groups: Design Policy Interface and Green Futures Storytelling.

Engaging in the CoP provides the following opportunities:

  • Exchange of best practices and innovative solutions for sustainable healthcare operations;
  • Development of guidelines and frameworks for sustainable practices in healthcare facilities;
  • Collaboration on research, projects and case studies;
  • Organisation of workshops, seminars, and webinars;
  • Advocacy for policies and regulations that support sustainability in healthcare.

We are creating a community of like-minded people from all sectors and areas of life. Being an active part of this community enables you to share your valuable knowledge, allow your voice to be heard, and enhance your professional development while also contributing to a more equitable and favourable future for our planet.

The benefits of joining a Community of Practice could include:

Knowledge Sharing and Learning

Continuous Learning: Members of a CoP can learn from each other’s experiences, best practices, and mistakes, which fosters continuous learning.

Access to Expertise: Being part of a CoP gives you direct access to the collective expertise of the group, which can accelerate your own development.

Networking and Collaboration

Building Relationships: A CoP provides a platform to connect with like-minded professionals, leading to potential collaborations and partnerships.

Broader Perspectives: Engaging with diverse members from different backgrounds and experiences broadens your perspective and enhances problem-solving skills.

Professional Development

Skill Enhancement: CoPs often focus on developing specific skills or knowledge areas, helping members to stay current in their field.

Career Growth: Participation in a CoP can lead to new opportunities, including mentorship and leadership roles within the community.

Increased Innovation and Creativity

Idea Generation: The collective brainstorming and sharing of ideas within a CoP often lead to innovative solutions that might not have emerged individually.

Cross-Pollination of Ideas: Exposure to different ideas and approaches can inspire creativity and help in solving complex problems.

Support and Motivation

Peer Support: A CoP offers a supportive environment where members can share challenges, seek advice, and gain encouragement.

Motivation and Accountability: Being part of a group with shared goals can increase motivation and help keep members accountable for their personal and professional growth.

Sense of Belonging

Community and Identity: Being part of a CoP can provide a sense of belonging and identity, as members share a common purpose and passion.

Shared Goals and Values: Members often share similar goals and values, which reinforces their commitment to the community and its objectives.

How to get involved

If you would like to engage with the Design HOPES Community of Practice:

You can use this form for any general queries https://forms.office.com/e/nULbCF63Gx

If you would like to know more about the Design HOPES project, please email designhopes@strath.ac.uk

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A collaborative project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, as part of the Future Observatory programme, and led by the University of Strathclyde and University of Dundee (DJCAD), with Heriot-Watt University, Abertay University, and the University of Edinburgh, NHS Scotland, industry partners, and public sector stakeholders.